Device and method for thermal cycling

摘要

A thermal cycling device for performing nucleic acid amplification on a plurality of biological samples positioned in a sample well tray. The thermal cycling device includes a sample block assembly, an optical detection system, and a sample well tray holder configured to hold the sample well tray. The sample block assembly is adapted for translation between a first position permitting the movement of the sample well tray into alignment with sample block assembly, and a second position, upward relative to the first position, where the sample block assembly contacts the sample well tray. A method of performing nucleic acid amplification on a plurality of biological samples positioned in a sample well tray in a thermal cycling device is also provided.

主权项

1. A method of performing nucleic acid amplification comprising the steps of:
loading a plurality of sample wells with a plurality of biological samples; providing a device configured to thermally cycle a sample block assembly, the sample block assembly comprising a sample block and a heat sink; placing the loaded plurality of sample wells onto a sample well receiving region of a sample well holder; moving the sample well holder and loaded plurality of sample wells into the device until the plurality of sample wells is aligned between the sample block assembly positioned beneath the plurality of sample wells and the sample well holder and a stationary optical detection system; moving the sample block assembly from a first position permitting the sample well holder to align the plurality of sample wells with the sample block assembly to a second position permitting the sample block to contact the plurality of sample wells; thermally cycling the sample block assembly; and detecting the plurality of biological samples while thermal cycling the sample block assembly.